DNA Evidence

Summary: SAR policies for using DNA evidence in applications, including scope restrictions, required documentation, and when a professional genealogist is required.

Sources: National Society, Sons of the American Revolution.md (GCP Sections 5.4005–5.4006), # Sons of the American Revolution (SAR).md (APG, Use of DNA Evidence; Appendix C)

Last updated: 2026-04-15

General Rule (GCP 5.4005)

DNA evidence can only be used as one element of a genealogical proof argument that also includes conventional (traditional) proof of lineage. No DNA test type alone — Y-DNA, autosomal, mitochondrial, or X-DNA — can prove descent from a specific individual. DNA can show a high probability of relationship but cannot determine whether the match is the specific individual, a sibling, a cousin, or another relation.

No raw DNA evidence is accepted. Only test results and analyses from acknowledged testing companies or third-party tools will be accepted. On the application itself, only the reference "DNA evidence" is entered. (source: # Sons of the American Revolution (SAR).md, APG Use of DNA Evidence)

Privacy: Any use of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) of living people requires their affirmative consent. (source: National Society, Sons of the American Revolution.md, GCP 5.4006)

Scope Restrictions

Generations 1–2 or 2–3 (without a professional genealogist)

DNA evidence for linking generations 1 to 2 or 2 to 3 is allowed without a professional genealogist, subject to restrictions: - Only court-ordered DNA results or autosomal DNA (atDNA) results may be used - If using atDNA, traditional evidence must also be part of the proof argument - Only one DNA proof argument is allowed per application - Only atDNA results with 1,500 centimorgans (cM) or higher are allowed

Court-ordered DNA (paternity/maternity): Acceptable with a predicted probability of 99% or greater and a statement that the alleged parent "is NOT EXCLUDED from being the father/mother" of the child. A brief statement from the applicant and/or a biological parent is also needed.

(source: # Sons of the American Revolution (SAR).md, APG Use of DNA Evidence for Generations 1–2 or 2–3)

Earlier generations (professional genealogist required)

To provide DNA evidence for generations earlier than 1–2 or 2–3, the proof argument must be prepared by a professional genealogist with expertise in DNA analysis — specifically a genealogist holding certification by the Board for the Certification of Genealogists (BCG) with a specialization in DNA, or another specialist vetted and accepted by the NSSAR.

Process: 1. The applicant submits a professional bio or qualifications of the proposed genealogist to the Genealogy Committee Chair 2. The GC Chair forwards to the DNA Subcommittee Chair 3. The DNA Subcommittee approves or rejects the proposed genealogist 4. The applicant bears the cost of the accepted genealogist

To find a qualified genealogist: visit bcgcertification.org → "Find a Certified Genealogist" → enter "DNA" in "Research Specialties" → check "Accepts Clients."

The SAR accepts the professional's conclusions without re-review. However, the full proof argument, all supporting documentation, and consent forms must be included with the application. (source: National Society, Sons of the American Revolution.md, GCP 5.4006)

What to Submit (Appendix C)

For the applicant

Name, User ID, contact information
Testing company name
Signed consent form (obtain from sar.org / Genealogy Resources / DNA Consent Form Applicant)

For each significant DNA match

Screenshot showing the match in the applicant's match list (redact names of non-matched individuals)
Name, User ID, contact information
Signed consent form for match (obtain from sar.org / Genealogy Resources / DNA Consent Form Match)
Predicted relationship to applicant
Total shared cMs and number of shared segments
Probable Most Recent Common Ancestral Couple (MRCAC) candidates and their relationships to both applicant and match
Shared matches of significance (not required if the match is the birth parent)
Shared ethnicity of significance (not required if the match is the birth parent)
Lineage for each match to the MRCAC, with supporting documentation

For professional genealogist reports

Do not submit the full report. Submit only a two-page executive summary of the genealogist's findings. Include this requirement in the contract with the genealogist. (source: # Sons of the American Revolution (SAR).md, APG Appendix C)

Autosomal DNA — Key Facts

Children receive approximately 50% of DNA from each parent
Grandparents: approximately 25% each
Great-grandparents: approximately 12.5% each
The four major testing companies provide shared segment data; three show shared cMs; 23andMe uses percentages (multiply percentage × 68 to approximate cMs)
Third-party tools like GEDmatch display segment data showing start/stop locations on chromosomes without specific genetic information (source: # Sons of the American Revolution (SAR).md, APG Appendix C)

DNA evidence indicating a relationship must include consent forms from the applicant and any other persons whose matches are used. Consent forms must include an affidavit from the match acknowledging the relationship, with any explanations known. Consent forms will not be available for copying on record copies. (source: # Sons of the American Revolution (SAR).md, APG Use of DNA Evidence)

When DNA of minors cannot be used for legal reasons, sworn signed affidavits from a close relative with firsthand knowledge of the circumstances of birth (or from a surrogate birth mother) are acceptable. (source: National Society, Sons of the American Revolution.md, GCP 5.4006)

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